Chicago Bears: Initial undrafted free agent haul proves direction of team

Skill Positions

Wide Receiver Garrett “Juice” Johnson, Kentucky

One thing I have loved about Pace over the weekend is his unabashed willingness to add wide receivers. After using two draft picks on both Miller and Georgia’s Javon Wims, he continues to search for competition at the team’s weakest position from a year ago.

Garrett Johnson, known as “Juice,” is an exciting player to watch with the ball in his hands. He is slippery — there’s really no other way to put it. He sneaks out of tackles like it’s no big deal, which is a sight to see.

Johnson, unlike many receivers who were in fact drafted, excels at creating separation and making a play after the catch. He is undersized at just 5-foot-10, 170 pounds. But, again, this makes him difficult to latch onto. While he likely won’t make the roster, I’d look for Johnson to sneak onto the practice squad and try and stick around that way.

Running Back Ryan Nall, Oregon State

Ryan Nall will have a tough time making the roster, but his potential as a fullback, if he were to transition, makes him an intriguing signing. He is a very solid short-yardage back but struggles outside of the tackles.

Lacking the footwork and, quite frankly the speed, needed to maneuver outside and get to the edge, it is going to be tough for Nall to make a living as a pure running back. If he is willing to do whatever it takes to make a roster, or even a practice squad, look for him to potentially transition to fullback. Heck, he can’t be worse than Michael Burton, can he?